National Weather Service Professional Development Series Professional Competency Unit

Description of Job Duty Competency to be Achieved

Develop and maintain an understanding of the current characteristics of each operational numerical model to make the most effective use of its output.

Description of Need

To produce the best forecast possible, forecasters must develop and maintain an understanding of the current characteristics of the operational models used in the field. Forecasters should be able to use knowledge of those characteristics to make informed decisions about which aspects of the models should perform best under different meteorological scenarios. In addition, they should understand the effects of post processing on the model output available to the field.

Specific Job Task Skills and Knowledge

1. Be able to determine when it is appropriate to use a particular model based on its architecture to help forecast a specific weather phenomena

2. Maintain knowledge of the current performance, biases, strengths, and weaknesses of operational models and post-processed output to evaluate their appropriateness to the forecasting of particular weather events

Instructional Components

Instructional Component 2.1: Characteristics of Current Operational NWP Model: Provides current information on the characteristics/architecture, strengths, and weaknesses of the Eta, AVN/MRF, RUC, NGM, AFWA MM5, and NOGAPS numerical weather prediction models.

Proposed Evaluation

Evaluation 2.1: This PCU provides information about recent enhancements to the operational models and their impact on the forecasts. The information is updated regularly, as changes occur. It is expected that forecasters will review the material routinely. Given the changing nature of the material, pre- and post-tests are not provided.

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